Oak Forest Fleadh 2022 Survival Guide: Times, Routes, Post-Parade

Oak Forest IL

03 March, 2022

7:16 PM

Description

OAK FOREST, IL —The south suburbs' rambunctious, annual pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration is scheduled to take place this Saturday, March 5. Oak Forest officials told Patch that Fleadh, an all-day celebration of Irish heritage and music, will feature a 5K run, family parade and many bar and restaurant events. Fleadh Cheoil is celebrated in Ireland as a music and dance competition. While multiple towns compete in the weeks leading up to March, an all-Ireland Fleadh festival is hosted the first Saturday the month of St. Patrick's Day. Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest co-host the celebration. While COVID-19 restrictions curtailed some Fleadh events in 2021, all festivities will be conducted in-person this year. Here's your complete survival guide for 2022 Oak Forest Fleadh: 8:30 a.m. Oak Forest Fleadh 5K A new route for the 5K, which was conducted virtually last year, runs by Oak Forest landmarks such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School and Valley Kingdom Ministries.The race begins and ends at Oak Forest Bowl and is sponsored by the bowling location and CNB Bank.ATI Physical Therapy will offer free stretching and prep for runners before the race kicks off.Find the 5K route hereInformation on parking to watch the 5K can be found here 11 a.m. Family Parade The Fleadh parade will begin at 11 a.m. from 151st Street and Central AvenueMembers of Project Fire Buddies will lead the parade as grand marshals.Those watching are encouraged to wear green, bring a bag for tossed candy, and hunt for the $1,000 prize hidden along the route provided by Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing. Those looking to register to be in the parade can sign up here. Post Parade Events Pot O' Gold RafflePurchase a Pot O' Gold Raffle ticket for $20 for a chance to win $1,500, $1,000 or $500. Whoever sells the first prize winning ticket will receive $100. The drawing will be held via Facebook Live on St. Patrick's Day. To purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 708-687-4600.Music and Deals at Oak Forest BowlOak Forest Bowl will have deals on food, drinks and bowling March 5.Irish music will be played by the Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band at Jakes PubDeals on bowling games will be available for residents from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Book Sale at Acorn LibraryThe Friends of Acorn Library are hosting a book sale on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Gently used books and DVDs will be available for purchase. St. Baldrick's FundraiserSt. Baldrick's will be raising money for Julia's Legacy of Hope March 5Participants can donate and have their head shaved at Gaelic Park 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Blarney Stone Pub Local performances from Sean and Charlie, Sunfallen, and DJ Matt following the parade. Street Closures During Fleadh 5K The area most impacted is 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lacrosse avenues. Street closures are from approximately 8:15 to 10 a.m. View the route. NO PARKING on the 5K route from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. During Family Parade Street closures from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon. Central Avenue from 151st to 157th streets will be closed 151st Street from Hille Middle School to Central Avenue will be closed Notes from Fleadh organizers Use the hashtag #fleadharoundtown to share photos and posts from March 5The city's public intoxication and open container ordinances will be "strictly enforced," according to a social media statement.Leprechaun activities will not be taking place this year. Event sponsors: CNB Bank & TrustAbendroth Accounting & Tax Services, Inc.Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing - Local PlumberOak Forest Bowl and The ParkSpecialized Staffing Solutions Inc.SHE 100.3Strive ABA Consultants,LLCOak ForestOak Forest-Crestwood Area ChamberBaxter & WoodmanOak Forest Family DentalThorntonPowell Insurance AgencyBlarney Stone Pub Oak ForestInk City ProPeople's Bank - Mark IlesATI Physical TherapyAlderman Paul SelmanValerie Shalati - Realtor - Keller Williams EliteSusan Semanate: Allstate InsuranceProject Fire Buddies